Circus lion trainer offended by animal cruelty claims

Lennon Brothers Circus has set up camp in Caloundra and lion trainer, Mohammed Jritlou, gave the Daily an inside tour to meet some of the animals he cares for. Mohammed with his lions, Kovu and Kiara.Brett Wortman

A LION trainer working for Australia's oldest circus has denied claims of animal cruelty.

Mohammed Jritlou, who has been working for the Lennon Bros Circus for 16 years, said allegations the lions were kept in small cages were untrue.

Mr Jritlou's response followed an animal rights protest outside the circus in Caloundra, where protesters from two animal rights groups accused the show of making its animals perform unnatural and demeaning tricks for human entertainment.

Activist Lauren Taylor said the animals were under stress after being confined to trailers and trucks for days at a time.

"The social isolation, barren, noisy, unnatural environments and small enclosures of a travelling circus can cause great stress to the animals," Ms Taylor said.

Mr Jritlou said he was offended by the accusations.

He said the animals were like family.

"They are the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing at night," he said.

"Their happiness and wellbeing is the most important thing to me and every other performer as well."